Total Beauty Web Tour

Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog had another Manic Monday and two readers will have a FLABuLESS day by winning FLABuLESS shapewear. Enter now to be FLABuLESS in the skin you're in!

Alison of the Advice Sisters has discovered Tooth Soap, a cool way to clean your mouth and actually have fun, doing it!

Viva Woman finds out if green tea can help with slimming.

Beauty Anonymous reviews Shiseido's Majolica Majorca Lash Gorgeous Wing Mascara.

Georgia at Neon Bible lists her favourite Beauty Products under $10.00.

Beauty411 shares her recommendations for the Best Winter Lip Treatments!

Face Candy shows you how to get Gossip Girl Style for less

At Fabulous Over Forty see what Beauty on a Budget product Hollywood stars loved at Sundance.

The Makeup Divas reviews Smashbox's Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder.

Could you use $25 to buy whatever you want on Sephora.com? Beauty Junkies Unite is giving away a $25 Sephora.com eGift Certificate!

Win a 12-piece brush collection from More than a Pretty Face and Beauty Strokes!

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings reviews a mineral foundation unlike any other she has used before. Read about it here!

MissWhoever You Are (that's me!!) reviews the new Kiss My Face SOS collection and SIX lucky readers will have a chance to win three glosses. What are you waiting for?!!Head on over there now!!

Boutique Flair reviews Dea Bella Eyelash Conditioner. Did it live up to its lofty claim of more beautiful lashes in 2-8 weeks and is it worth $150 per tube? Click here to find out!

Beauty Blvd. has a new GIVEAWAY! Win the entire Kiss My Face SOS Collection! That's 6 lip shimmers and 6 glosses!

Calling all Curls! AHS is giving away a bottle of Curls new Curl Gel-les'c just tell me why you have the most envious curls! Enter to WIN!

Lipstick Addict makes a review on Magic Lips Sunblock with SPF25 It's a steal for less than $2 dollars!

Feel like you need a little lovin'? Beauty Beast has all the details on the limited edition Valentine's Day goodies from LUSH

CaliforniaCosmetics shows you how to Step Into Spring with details from the new Coach 2009 Spring Shoe Collection.

eye4style is giving away $189 worth of Wei East skincare! Have you entered the giveaway yet?

Glossypink scopes out some gorgeous spring beauty trends straight from the runway!

This weekend is your last chance to enter to win an Anastasia Highlight Brow Kit from the girls at Beauty in Real Life. Click here to enter.

I Heart Heels has the scoop on a celeb fav: Mary Norton clutches!

Looking for your love potion? Get ready for Valentine's Day - The Beauty Blog reviews The Top Ten Most Romantic Perfumes.

Did you know that the original creator of Bare Minerals has another very popular mineral makeup? Mineral Makeup Reviews reviews Colorescience Mineral Makeup.

Suzanne at RN Guide to Skin Care discusses the Best Facial Cleanser.

Hot Beauty Health shares with you 6 beauty items a Gal just can't live without.

Butterfly Diary reviews Ojon's organic new Batana Collection.

It's Don't Need No Credit Card To Ride This Train week at Beauty Blogging Junkie! Click here to find out what products under $10 Amber recommends for recessionistas everywhere.

Enter to win a Beauty.com/Drugstore.com gift bag from the Sundance Film Festival at Makeup Bag.

Phantom Goddess shows you how and where to get fabulous discounts on makeup at Phantom Goddess's Beauty Obsessions.

This week, Spoiled Pretty is hosting three amazing giveaways. Enter to win Benefit's new CORALista blush, China Glaze's Romantique nail polish collection, and a Sundance Film Festival beauty swag bag!

The Beauty Alchemis tests & lovesMAC Studio Sculpt Foundation

The Jet Set Girlsreview the Sally Hershberger Face Place in New York City.

Indian Girl gives you the scoop on awesome lip treats for $7.95 from your drugstore

Quote of the Day

The reason why I love Galliano...


"There's a credit crunch, not a creative crunch. Of course, everyone is being more careful with their discretionary purchases. I am. But it's our job to make people dream, and to provide the value in quality, cut, and imagination."
--John Galliano

Garbo's back!

Not Greta..duh!

I have some amazing news for all you Be & D fans. The classic Garbo bag is back!

REJOICE!

The satchel remains in its signature sumptuous lambskin but this time it's decked out with spiked studs. Original buckles have been removed to streamline the effect, while the addition of whip stitched handles reinforce the intricate craftsmanship Be & D is known for. Not only is the Garbo back but there are some new friends along for the ride. There's the Garbo shoulder portfolio, matching belts, and introducing...Garbo wallets!

I. MUST. GET. THE. WALLETS.




It’s been five years since this iconic bag burst onto the scene….and after much demand it's being relaunched!

Apparently, the satchel and portfolio haves already been ordered by a number of celebrity clients so you know this bag is hot!

Along with the re-launch of the Garbo, Be & D are also launching their newer styles for spring.

There's the Belleville ‘baby’ hobo - the perfect alternative for those who would rather ‘carry’ than ‘clutch’. Tassel charms/key chains in the form of 18th century horsewhips add a touch of fetish to the mix.

To balance the collection’s hardware-centric statement, Inthavong and Dumain (the designers of Be & D) have created two new shapes that add balance and softness without sacrificing attitude (good 'cuz we never sacrifice said 'tude over here!). The Clara portfolio is quite ladylike, but keeps from being too precious by turning the bow on its side.

The Gibson tote and satchel (named for Charles Dana Gibson’s “Gibson’s Girl” who epitomized spirit, independence and femininity) creates an organic square-like shape with its construction: two top-zipper entries with separated compartments and a single gusset side pattern which allows for organization while keeping the look sleek and easy.

The Gibson tote- I DIE!

I seriously LOVE the Gibson tote and need it. Like now.

View the collection and all the other bags at http://www.beandd.com/

Photos: Be & D

Fragrance Friday: With Love by Hilary Duff

I actually purchased With Love when it came out back in 2006 when it came out. I was really surprised considering how I despised anything Hilary Duff (minus her Lizzie McGuire series...after that I really didn't care much for H. Duff). It was on one of my random trips in Macy's where I found myself enamored by this perfume.

One of my best purchases to date.

With Love is a mossy woods fragrance developed by perfumers Rodrigo Flores-Roux and Stephen Nilsen of Quest. It includes notes of mangosteen fruit(not related to a mango...it's a tropical evergreen), spices, mangosteen blossom, cocobolo wood, balsam, incense, amber milk (I love amber!!) and amber musk. Also, I read online somewhere that Champagne plays a role in this perfume.

Upon first spritz, there's a sweetness that hits your nose and doesn't go away. The perfume starts with the fruity notes of Mangosteen and Champagne. After about a half hour, the scent becomes more woodsy and is just plain euphoria afterward. I'm a huge fan of woodsy scents, as you all may know, so this definitely hits the spot. It's a creamy amber-wood with hints of fruitiness lying around but not as forceful as before. There's also a vanilla like ambiance floating about your nose.

What remains in the dry down is mostly musk and pleasantly warm. It definitely becomes a seductive scent. I once wore it out with my now ex-beau and when we hugged he demanded to know the name of my perfume. We were hugging all night and the snuggling wasn't bad.

I never gave up the name of this perfume and hopefully he hasn't found out about this blog.

With Love is definitely my go-to scent when I wanna feel sexy. Is it me or can a perfume set your mood?

I absolutely love the woods in this perfume! As I said before, it becomes a warm scent that doesn't bother your nose by the end of the day. And the lasting power...OHMIGOD! I never have to worry about this scent fading. Never.

And how cute is the bottle??!? I keep it at the forefront of my vanity.

Anyone else try this perfume? Loved it? Hate it? Never tried but want to? Tell me in the comments!

Dior Spring 2009 Couture: Beauty

The look for Dior's couture was simple and elegant. Far from the over exaggerated makeup looks of yore.

While they weren't screaming yellows and blues, the light purples and whites brought a graet amount of atention to the eye area. Simple pink blush and rose lips complete the look.

Could you imagine trying to do THAT with your hair???
The winged eyeliner- I'm determined to learn how to PORPERYL do this. Meaning one wing won't be longer than the other and I won't look like I got carried away with the eyeliner.

To do the winged eye (cat eye...whatever they're calling it this month..) I suggest:

Drugstore Diva: CoverGirl Line Exact Liquid Liner: it's great for doing the cat eye look and doesn't irritate the eye area. Super easy to use and small enough to carry around with you should you need a touch up.

Department Store Hottie:
shu uemura Liquid Eyeliner this eyeliner is AMAZING! It's an empty pen that you buy refillable liner cartridges. So never again do you have to moan and complain when your liquid eyeliner runs dry- just stock up on extra cartridges ($15 each).

Photos: shu uemura, CoverGirl, and style.com

Christian Dior Spring 2009 Couture

You can always tell when a collection is made by John Galliano. Always.

The fun, whimsy and quirky is all there. Yet it only enhances the collection and makes you want more. I love love love the full skirts and fifties shapes, the quintessential Galliano exaggerations of Dior's tight-waisted, and the color pallete is superb. I love color and the mix of golds, reds and blues makes me wish I had $40,000+ to splurge on one of these.

My favorite piece from this show, though, would be this white full skirt dress with the bow details.
If one thing remains true, it's that Galliano knows how to make practically anything evoke a sense of femininity. And he adds just th right amount of ruffles, pouf and bounce.

I kind of want to get married in this dress

The man himself. I love how he always dresses up with the theme of his shows!

Photo from style.com

Chanel Spring 2009 Couture

Karl Lagerfeld is a genius and it's no secret that I love him. His ideas are innovative and fresh. He knows how and when to go with the trends but at the same time, start a new one. This season (well for those who can afford couture, apparently the new thing is paper.

Yeah. Paper.

From a distance, the collection was disciplined into simple planes, the silhouettes cut in an A-line tapering upward to meet cropped jackets with flat, squared-off shoulders and standaway collars. Close up, though, the minutiae became mind-spinning. The classic Chanel braid was minimized to millimeters of handwoven fluff and the embroidered flowers modernized in weightless 3-D montages of organza and cellophane. The paillettes were microdots of matte plastic, and the lace shivered with tiny crystalline beads.

It is rather refreshing to see that the recession isn't taking away the creativity of these designers. I'd hate to see a collection of black as that's only even more depressing. Dark times call for bright whites!!

And the headpieces!!

The real genius is in the transformation that takes place in the making, a result of the Chanel workers' ability to push their craft to points of innovation never quite seen before. That, and Lagerfeld's deft tempering of extravagance with a sense of freshness and restraint, made this fragile collection one of the strongest arguments for the value of haute couture in the whole of Paris.

-Sarah Mower of style.com

Quotes and Photos from style.com

Deal of the Week: Prescriptives

Prescriptives has a fantastic purchase-with-purchase promotion happening now!

Receive a full size, professional quality foundation brush ($30 value) for just $17 with the purchase of any Prescriptives Foundation.


The Prescriptives Foundation Brush is a MUST have in the cases of many pro makeup artists so hurry up and get yours!!!!

The offer is valid through the 31st, in store and online.

Kiss My Face SOS and a Giveaway!

Kiss my Face is amazing company. Privately held, it was founded in 1980s, they are no stranger to the world of natural yet effective beauty products. And recently they've released some beautiful natural mineral lip glosses.

Kiss My Face Sheer Organic Shine glosses and Sheer Organic Shimmer balms feature natural mineral colors and are 91% organic. These products contain Vitamins A & E to repair and protect. Plus there are no synthetic colors or flavors, no animal testing, and no unnecessary chemicals.

Ahh yes to be a natural beauty!!!

The Sheer Organic Shine Glosses and Shimmer Balms both come in the following shades: Pearl, Opal, Amethyst, Topaz, Ruby, and Garnet.

Having never tried out natural lip glosses, I was curious to see how these would turn out.



Sheer Organic Shimmers ($4.95) offer sheer tint, silky shine and luscious Vanilla Mint flavor while conditioning and moisturizing lips with Beeswax, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E.

Sheer Organic Shines ($6.95) deliver high wattage shine and fresh flavor with Beeswax, Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter, while Stevia makes these glosses naturally sweet.

Out of the six shades, I LOVED Ruby, Garnet, Topaz, and Amethyst. These colors are sheer but provide a sheer (read: slight) hint of color.

Garnet: is a warm berry shade that's quite honestly my favorite out of the group. It's great for adding that extra color on a natural look. I seriously let my lips take command when wearing this and just add mascara and go!

Amethyst: is an edgy blend of mauve and lilac for rock star shine

Topaz: is a gorgeous bronze bronze color that didn't look odd against my dark skin tone. Normally bronze colors are either a bit too gold (like I'm in a magazine editorial) or there's no color. But this one stroked the perfect balance.

Ruby: Ok so I lied when I said Garnet was my fave lol. It's actually a tie between Ruby and Garnet. Ruby is a subtle medium pink that honestly brightens up my skin tone. It's not drab and boring at all.

Opal: soft lilac

Pearl: ethereal pale pink that can be worn alone or layered for an icy sheen

But here's the deal...

And it's actually quite amazing that I found this lip gloss RIGHT when this dear old blog of mine underwent some amazing changes (the new layout...and did you notice the web address??). So to celebrate I've partnered up with Kiss My Face and having a giveaway!!!!!

Six (6) lucky winners will receive three products from this SOS collection.

If the winner chosen does not respond within one week of notification email, another winner will be chosen. It's so easy, all you have to do is send an email to [email protected] with your name and email address.

This contest is open only to U.S. residents. Contest ends midnight Tuesday (February 2, 2009) and winners will be announced at next Wednesday's edition of Pucker Up Wednesday!

Want It. Need It. Got It.:::Concealor

Want It. Need It. Got It.

This is what I find myself saying throughout most of the day. "Ooh I want this"..."OHMIGOD I NEEED this!"..."WHAT!?!? HALF PRICE? I got this already...full price...last week!"

(is it me or do things go on sale after you buy it...)

So this is what's on my list for this week. Concealer.

So last year, I swore up and down that I had finally found the perfect concealer. Well somewhere in between moving across Brooklyn and unpacking, I've lost said concealer.

And to be quite honest, I really didn't care because it was in a stick form and I really don't like that. The color matched my skin tone wonderfully but the fact that it broke when I rubbed it with my finger really pissed me off.

And now this week, I think I've found what I want, need, and have in the concealer department.

WANT IT.

Amazing Cosmetics ($42)
I raved about this concealer before. The name doesn't lie. It really is amazing. But in a recession, $42 for a 0.5 oz item is a no go. They have a "to go" version that's 0.2oz but that's going for $28. No thanks. Not right now. Not for me at least. I do love how well it COMPLETELY covers my dark circles (i.e VANISHES THEM) but my college budget self has to stick to $20 and under for a decent sized product!

NEED IT!

IMAN Second to None Cover Cream Enriched With Minerals ($12.99)
If you've been following this blog, you know of my love of Iman and supermodels. So I can not wait for this concealer to come out (launches March 2009). This breakthrough color palette offers women of color a concealer they can rely on for maximum coverage and a flawless finish. Comes in five shades. There's not a doubt in my mind-this product is definitely making its way to my makeup bag. I normally use IMAN's Corrective Concealer (in Earth) and Luxury Pressed Powder in Deep. I cried when this finished...I really did. The coverage is phenomenal! I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone combating oily skin...read my previous reviews here. To check them out or see other products, visit imancosmetics.com.

GOT IT.

MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer $14.00

(my color is clearly A LOT darker than this image. My shade is NW45 I got this off of Google)

I already own this concealer and I'm really not complaining..much. Coverage is great and it does last (if you don't rub your eyes...but I'm a rubber). While the coverage is awesome, it does settle into any lines, so I'd steer clear if you're developing wrinkles or if your eyes sorta squint like mine when you laugh (lol). I do see this chalk like effect mid-day, so you will need to touch up throughout the day. But it stays in place, has SPF 35 and gets the job done...all for a recession friendly price.

Best Find EVER! SKINN Dimitri James Patina Eyeshadow

Ok, I feel bad. I have been keeping a secret from you guys for quite some time now. A couple of months ago I received the best product ever.

For now at least, as a beauty junkie these things change every other week or so.

Launched in 2002, SKINN Dimitri James is quite a cosmetics company. Affordable and beautiful, I think I have fallen in love.


The product I've been hiding from you is the Patina Eyeshadows. Each palette houses 6 eyeshadows, which is pretty sweet considering you're paying $22.50 for it.

I'm not going to lie, I was a little hesitant when I looked at it. The colors looked normal and I was hyperventilating while staring. I was worried. But the increased heartbeats came after a single application. I was amazed at how fabulous these colors are when applied!

I have the Summer (pictured above) palette which has three dusty pinks, each darker than the first (shimmery but not quite frost) and two golds (metallics)- a light gold and a slightly darker gold- and a bronze.

A little bit truly goes a long as these babes are incredibly pigmented. I'm a little heavy handed, so I really had to calm down when using this palette. They blend easily (good because my blending techniques are horrible! It's not as easy as it looks) and they last all day.

All. day.

I don't even look at my Too Faced Shadow Insurance when I use this palette (which has been everyday-or at least twice a week- for the past month and half).

This was also the palette I wore on my 21st birthday celebration so it will always have a soft spot in my heart..lol.

But in all seriousness, I highly recommend this palette (there is also a Spring and Winter palette which I want to try next because Winter has shades of purple and we all know purple is my color!) It can be worn for day or for looking glamorous at night- the golds work wonders!

If I practiced beauty monogamy, this would probably be the only eyeshadow palette I'd ever need.

To buy this palette, check out the website

[EDITORS UPDATE]: I just found out that at 12 PM ET Dimitri James SKINN will have the first show of the weekend on ShopNBC. The 8 piece kit is just $49.90 and is regularly over $200! I don't know about you but I just love discounts lol. It's expected to sell out really fast so check it out!

Michelle Obama.

There are not enough words that describe how happy I am to such a woman. She seriously has taken the path in life that I want to- lawyer, wife, married, mother- all while looking absolutely flawless.

lol

She exudes substance and style. Her fashion sense is quite keen- Thakoon, Wu, Rodriguez, Toledo- and that perm never seems to need a retouch lol

Michelle Obama's Beauty Secrets

From her volume-packed bob hairstyles to her radiant skin, photos and tips on recreating the first lady's looks

Read these pro tips on how to make her best looks, from her inauguration 'do to her pre-campaign glow, work for you. See Michelle Obama

Fragrance Fridays: Bond No. 9 Brooklyn

As a native of Brooklyn, I couldn't be any more thrilled for this!

Brooklyn is changing. New York’s legendary city within a city, home to a century or more of strivers, dreamers, and Nobel laureates, is reinventing itself, neighborhood by neighborhood, as an edgy metropolis. Sure, for a while there Brooklyn was a necessary second choice for the real estate-challenged Millennials seeking affordable rents and more square footage than formidable Manhattan could offer. But now— a whole new story. Today’s Brooklyn is preferable to a new generation of artistic émigrés. This is where the artists and musicians choose to move. It’s home to graffiti-ists, gaffers, and key grips, to web designers and aspiring editors. This is where fashion stylists live. New York-bound hip-and-cool Seattle-ites prefer to move to Brooklyn; smart Stockholmers book their hotel rooms here.

How awesome is this!!!!

PS: I love the line "...It’s home to graffiti-ists, gaffers, and key grips, to web designers and aspiring editors." Sounds like someone I know *cough* *cough* Moving on...

It's no secret that I love Bond No. 9...I treasure my Bleecker St perfume like nobodies business. I only break it out when something truly special is going to happen (like my 21st birthday that recently passed). But Bleecker St might (is) going to have some really tough competition with Brooklyn (sounds like Battle of the Boroughs to me).

I love the clear bottle with "Brooklyn" written out in graffiti. It truly captures the essence of Brooklyn. The edgy, cool, yet laid back feel of the borough.

Other than the fact that this is named after my home city, it's also my type of scent. While I do love fresh and green scents, I'm constantly drawn to woodsy and oriental scents.

"...a woody, spicy-filled oriental that mingles cardamom, geranium leaves, and cedarwood while grapefruit and juniper leaves accelerate the scent, and South American guaiacwood and leather bring a tender, beckoning touch."

Also different in Brooklyn is that it has what’s known as sillage, which means it doesn’t cling to the skin, but rather diffuses, leaving a trail behind it.

Before you start grumbling about how we're in a recession, times are tough, paying more than $50 for anything is a waste, blah blah blah...I beg you to think about this. Really think about it. It's Bond No. 9. You know your money won't be going to waste. The quality is top notch AND not to mention they recycle your perfume bottles. And it's Brooklyn.

Clearly there's no bias here =)

Ya'll don't know how EXCITED I am for this! Launching in March, this bottle is available in two sizes: 100ml ($220) and 50ml ($145), at Bond No. 9's four New York City boutiques, www.bondno9.com, 877-273-3369, and at Saks Fifth Avenue nationwide.

Discount Alert! LeSportSac offers 25% off!!

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and people are going nuts (my guy friend is getting quite antsy as this is his first V-Day with the new boo).

Don't fret. Get something practical and say “I love you” with the perfect gift from LeSportsac.

Just in time for this special holiday,LeSportsac is offering 25% off select prints and collections - and with so many patterns to choose from it’s easy to find just the right gift.

Enter the promo code “JANUARYSALE” at checkout to take advantage of this great opportunity!!!

Barbara Campbell Jewelry

As a native of Brooklyn, I get excited when I see or hear about talented people coming out of Brooklyn-whether it's in fashion, beauty, music, the arts...whatever!

So when I heard about jewelry designer Barbara Campbell, I just had to share.

Based out of Brooklyn, Barbara Campbell launched her line in fall of 2007. Since then Mally Roncal (yes as in the beauty maven), and Eyewitness News Anchor Lori Stokes have been spotted wearing her pieces.

Random fact: my mom LOVES Lori Stokes!

She’s known for her signature design “Lucky Six” necklace and currently designs two jewelry lines: a high-end one-of-a-kind and her contemporary Barbara Campbell line which are available in New York City in selected specialized boutiques.

She was first inspired while on a beach in Montauk (how nice) where she found what she thought was the perfect rock- wrapped it in wire and BOOM! The famous "Lucky Six" necklace was born.

The current necklace design , however, doesn't feature the wire covered rock but it does keep the original shape- similar to a flower with six blooming petals.

Specializing in classic techniques, she also does the less traditional techniques including wrapping, hammering, knitting, braiding, knotting and crocheting. She also uses stones, which include amethyst for spirituality, quartz for power and onyx for encouraging positive decision making in challenging times, that are carefully selected based on their natural shapes. All her pieces are handmade in her studio one-piece-at-a-time in her Park Slope studio.

Who is your style icon?
My earliest influence is my Cuban mom, Fina. One of my favorite pieces is named after her.
Her Spanish glamour and style is always current. She told me simple is always elegant.

Tell us what inspires you?

Moving my fingers, seeing how my mind communicates with my thoughts through movements of my hands creating one-of-a-kind innovative designs inspired me every day. Discovering artists such as Alexander Calder and knowing all of my design ideas are possible. I am not limited.

Her words are wise and rings true.

“I feel the strongest statements are made with the fewest words.”

Check out her website!!

Photos courtesy of www.barbaracampbellnyc.com

Vogue Russia: Victoria Beckham

I was rather shocked when I saw this Russian Vogue cover. Extremely shocked as a matter of fact. While I love Victoria Beckham (and that's no secret) Russian Vogue hasn't had a celebrity on their cover in about 4 years.

FOUR YEARS! May 2005 was the last time and it was Liz Hurley (if I'm not mistaken).

So this is kind of odd. I hope Vogue Russia doesn't continue this trend.

One major difference though with this cover is that it's completely different when compared to US Vogue. When American Vogue has a celebrity on the cover, it's plain and boring. At least if you look at this cover, it doesn't quite look like Beckham at first glance.



I love the fact that she knows how to pose. She would make a great model if she were much taller. Though she'd prob just have one facial expression HA!

Victoria is featured in Russia’s Vogue with the New Victoria Beckham story in the spread. The outfits she is wearing is actually from her All the outfits she’s wearing there are her own designs from Spring/ Summer 2009 collection.

"Forties and Fifties underwear played a big influence on the collection, but the inspiration is me. I have tried every one of the dresses on, lived in them, to work out what feels right. I hope the silhouette is what every woman wants to wear,” the singer-turned-designer told the mag."

Source

Fabulous Find: Paradise Found Contest

Hey chicas!

So it's 25° but it feels like 2° outside and the fact that I've started my second semester of school (already) doesn't make me too happy. I already have a quiz next week in Political Science. Mind you this is only my first week of school (who gives quizzes anyway??? ...)

Anyways...

Maybe it's because I can't feel my toes or because the last time I had a quiz was freshmen year of high school but I'd love to get away. But since my next vacation doesn't come until March (Spring Break,anyone??) I'll have to deal with my "Beach Scene" screensaver on my Windows XP.

Unlike me, however, you can enter this fab new contest by H20 Plus, the leader in sea derived skincare (just saying that sounds relaxing, no?).

H20 Plus is releasing a new limited edition collection called Bali Breeze. This sensory-rich spa body line with it’s warm tropical notes of wind-swept sands, island florals, creamy coconut and breezy sea grass allows you to bask in your own personal paradise and get beautiful skin from the comfort of your own home.

To celebrate this collection, H20 Plus has partnered with The Islands Of The Bahamas on the “Paradise Found” Sweepstakes. Between now through February 12, 2009, you can enter for the chance to relax, rejuvenate and re-energize with an unforgettable five-night vacation for two to Kamalame Cay Resort in the Bahamas. Located just off the coast of Andros Island, Kamalame Cay is a 96-acre private island hideaway with three miles of white sand beaches. The resort features Caribbean cuisine, a freshwater pool and some of the best fishing and diving in The Bahamas.

The Grand Prize “Paradise Found” sweepstakes package includes roundtrip airfare for two, luxurious accommodations, two complimentary massages at The Spa at Kamalame Cay, as well as H2O Plus skincare and spa essentials and much more.

Three runners up will receive H20 Plus’ newest, limited-edition body collection, Bali Breeze. The four-piece line offers a paradise at-home experience with its juicy mango and creamy coconut blend combined with marine botanicals for island inspired hydration.

They had me at Bahamas.

To enter, simply visit their website or any H20 Plus retail store.

And if you win...remember me!

Find Your Best Pink Lipcolor...my love affair

I have this neverending love affair with pink lipcolor. It all started early 2007 and I blame MAC.

Yes MAC.

They blitzed me with the ever fabulous Barbie Loves MAC collection. A collection that stole my heart but left me kicking myself in the arse for not getting more than one tube of the devilishly pink lipstick Rocking Chick.

My one tube got stolen...yes STOLEN...from me. My brother's soon to be ex girlfriend went for a joyride in my makeup collection while I was supposedly "learning" at school (really I was too busy with my then boyfriend to care about my Philosphy 101 class).

Then in '08 MAC had the nerve to come out with their Fafi collection and of course yours truly indulged and then again the Heatherette collection came out.

Determined to find a bright fuschia color that won't turn all purpple-y on me (Heatherette's Hollywood Nights does this to me..boo), I hunt far and wide. High end cosmetics to supermarket sweeps. I want them all!

Pink is my red. I'm no pale pink neither. Go bright or go home!

Point is, I've taken the plunge. And now it's your turn. Need help determining what pink is your pink? Take the quiz below and you'll son be a convert like me.

Find Your Best Pink Lip Color

Take this quiz to discover the ideal pink gloss or lipstick for you - mwah

Makeup artists John Fussell and Jane McKay both agree that pink is a youthful, healthy color that can look great on everyone. But like red, pink takes on many intensities and undertones, so before you shell out more dough for this trend, take the quiz to find out which shades were made for you. Take the quiz

Be on the lookout for some MAJOR changes in the next couple of days!!!

McQ Alexander McQueen for Target

It's no secret that I love it when fashion designers make collections for us regular people (remember Operation Thakoon??). I think it's a great idea for both the designer (whose getting their name out their to people who would have otherwise ignored them) and me-you too- because I can own a piece without going broke and missing my college tuition payment.

As early as last August there were rumors going about the Alexander McQueen will be doing a collection for Target. Back in November, it was confirmed and I have been waiting patiently since for looks to surface.

I love the look books because it feeds my curiosity and gives me an idea of whether or not I'll actually buy anything.

The collection, called McQ Alexander McQueen for Target, will be apart of Target's latest project Designer Collaborations and not through the GO! International program. The Designer Collaborations venture seems like they take already established fashion designers rather than up and coming (like GO!) to create a collection. In it will be lightweight sweaters, skinny jeans, bubble dresses (**squeals**), slim skirts and cuffed shorts.

Signature pieces include a coated cotton poplin black trench, a rock ’n’ roll gray denim cropped studded jacket, a men’s wear-inspired tuxedo blazer and a color-blocked one-shoulder dress with bubble hem (love!). The collection also will include swimwear and cotton voile print scarves. The color palette of this collection consists of a black, white, gray and tan with accents of cobalt blue and bright pink (PINK! I'm in there like swimwear). Studs and mesh give the pieces that McQueen edge.

The Leila silk-screen T-shirt with a necklace collar was designed for The Duke Spirit lead singer, while other band members are immortalized on a sleeveless jersey T-shirt.

Honestly, the looks that I've seen aren't that awesome for me to run out at the crack of dawn to go purchase. There is a leather studded vest that I saw that was actually kind of cool but:

a) that's not my style

b) it's priced at the not so moderate $120.00

In times like this it's $50 and under please!

But I did see three looks that just might have me waiting in line at good ole' Tarjay

The black trench coat-$79- is to die for. It's really cute and I mean I don't really have a good trench coat. I have this crappy one that's super lightweight and does nothing. The black dress -$45- is a little Herve Leger so maybe that's why I want it so much.

This is the dress that really stole my attention. Love it. Want it. Must get it. $50.00- right on my budget!

McQ Alexander McQueen for Target comes out March 1st and will sell till April 11th (though I doubt there'd be any pieces left)